10:1 - 22:16 - These proverbs are
general principles and guidelines that
may have exceptions. . . .They are true
as general rules (Ryrie Study Bible).

12 Hope deferred (i.e. hope long drawn out,
hope not fulfilled for a long time) maketh
the heart sick (i.e. brings disappointment -
It is disheartening.): but when the desire
cometh (i.e. when the desire is fulfilled), it
is a tree of life (i.e. a life-giving tree, a
source of life - It is refreshing and
satisfying.).

13 Whoso despiseth (i.e. holds in contempt,
ridicules) the word (i.e. the Word of God)
shall be destroyed: but he that feareth
(i.e. reverences, stands in awe of) the
commandment shall be rewarded (i.e.
abundantly rewarded - He will be at
peace.).

14 The law (i.e. instruction) of the wise is a
fountain of life (i.e. a source of spiritual
vitality), to depart from the snares of
death (instructing the wise will deliver them
from deadly snares along life's journey).

15 Good understanding (i.e. good sense)
giveth favour (He is appreciated.): but the
way of transgressors (i.e. the unfaithful or
the treacherous) is hard (i.e. enduring or
constant. - They find it difficult to turn from
their wicked ways - Bible Knowledge
Commentary).

16 Every prudent man dealeth (i.e. acts)
with knowledge: but a fool layeth open
(i.e. displays or exposes) his folly (for
everyone to see it).

17 A wicked (i.e. unreliable) messenger
falleth into mischief (i.e. evil or trouble):
but a faithful ambassador (i.e. envoy) is
health (i.e. a source of health or healing -
he brings healing.).

18 Poverty and shame shall be to him that
refuseth (i.e. disdains, ignores) instruction
(i.e. discipline): but he that regardeth
reproof (He is teachable and takes advice.)
shall be honoured.

19 The desire accomplished (i.e. gained) is
sweet to the soul (It is pleasing and
satisfying to good men when their goals are
achieved. For example, graduation from
high school or college, completing a project,
paying off a mortgage, etc.): but it is
abomination to fools to depart from evil
(i.e. fools won't leave their evil ways to
accomplish a desire. Their desires are not
accomplished.).

20 He that walketh with wise men shall be
wise (It is wise to seek companionship with
wise persons. Their wisdom will rub off on
us. We should learn all we can from them.):
but a companion of fools shall be
destroyed (i.e. shall suffer harm - I
Corinthians 15:33 - Be not deceived: evil
communications (i.e. bad associations, bad
companions) corrupt (i.e. ruin, spoil) good
manners (habits). Both good and bad
associations have their consequences. Be
careful of your associations of the
associations of your children.

21 Evil pursueth sinners (Sinners have all
kinds of problems in life): but to the
righteous good shall be repayed (i.e. he
will reward with prosperity - The prospect
of just recompense for good or evil is a
general rule, but there are exceptions, as in
the case of Job - Ryrie Study Bible).

22 A good man leaveth an inheritance to
his children's children: and the wealth of
the sinner is laid up for the just (i.e. the
righteous. Good men leave their wealth to
their grandchildren, but sinners lose it to
more righteous persons - Ryrie Study
Bible).

23 Much food is in the tillage (i.e. fallow
ground) of the poor: but there is that is
destroyed for want of judgment (i.e. but it
is swept away for lack of justice - Ryrie
Study Bible).